Is it normal to still feel pain 8 months after a tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Question

I had TT with MR on Nov. 2023, is it normal to still feel MR pain ? I can't seem to stretch out without having an awful tear like pain. I still wear my girdle with board on my abdomen bcs it helps with the pain. The days I don't wear the board, I swell up and the pain/soreness where the MR was done lasts for a few days and I can't stand straight. I have to stand with a slight hunch. Is this a normal process?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concerns. It’s common to experience some discomfort and tightness after a tummy tuck with muscle repair (MR), especially during the healing process. However, by eight months post-op, most patients should be experiencing significant improvement in pain levels and mobility. While some minor discomfort may persist, the severe pain you’re describing—especially the inability to stand straight without swelling or discomfort—warrants further attention.

Persistent pain and the sensation of tightness when stretching could be related to muscle tightness from the repair, scar tissue, or even the way your body is healing. It’s important to contact your plastic surgeon to assess whether there might be an underlying issue that needs addressing. In some cases, physical therapy can be extremely helpful. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to safely stretch and improve the range of motion in your abdominal muscles.

If the pain and limited mobility persist despite conservative measures, revision surgery might be required. This could involve removing or adjusting the muscle repair sutures if they are too tight or causing ongoing discomfort.

I encourage you to follow up with your surgeon to explore possible next steps. You deserve to regain comfort and mobility, so addressing this early is key to preventing further complications.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

It is most common to resume normal activities about 6-8 weeks after a tummy tuck.  It often takes quite a long time to regain your preop capabilities.  I would expect things to normalize over time.  You may consider using a trainer for workouts to address your different concerns.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luminous407894,
I understand your concern. It is not normal to have pain 8 months after tummy tuck. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles after your tummy tuck.  At eight months post op you should not feel significant pain from the muscle repair, nor should you require support from your compression garment at this point.  Some patients may feel some tension of the abdominal muscles as they stretch, but this will continue to improve with time.  I encourage you to visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Is it normal to still feel pain 8 months after a tummy tuck with muscle repair?

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